Matt LeBlanc has bought a new Ford Focus RS, casually endorsed by Ken Block
One of the few question marks surrounding Top Gear's signing of former Friends beefcake Matt LeBlanc was whether the US television star was actually a car nut at all. It's a line of cynicism that has some weight, considering the commercial attractions in hiring someone with a relatively large following in America — a location where BBC's Top Gear has traditionally struggled for penetration.
But we needn't have worried; LeBlanc was a great watch in his first season, particularly as a counter-balance to the shouty and now departed Chris Evans. Having been on Top Gear before as a guest, the most anoraked of viewers will have already known that petrol and other stereotypical motoring-based fluids flowing through his battle hardened American veins. But the kicker has now been unveiled ...
... he's bought a Ford Focus RS.
Like pretty much every important news story these days, it was broken on social media — complete with an endorsement from none other than serial hoonerist Ken Block.
Of course, this whole thing smells strongly of 'brand endorsement'. Consider also Ford's tie-up with former BBC Stig Ben Collins. Hell, even Clarkson romped around in a Ford GT for a while.
But, rather than drag things down, I'd rather just sit back and be happy and content in the fact that LeBlanc's passion for the black stuff (tarmac that is) will only rise and rise while he's behind the wheel of the blue oval's primary fun machine.